Never Ending Eczema – How to Break the Cycle
About a decade ago, I used to work for a place that did arts and crafts classes for the kids. It was a bit chaotic, but it was the job that really taught me how to roll with the punches. Especially when it came to the adorable but frankly blunt children who I had to teach. Of the many memorable moments I had wrangling those hyperactive gremlins, one such memory came to mind because of just how awkward it was.
“Hi miss!”
“Hello kiddo, do you need help?”
“Nuh-uh. How’d you get that big burn?”
I still remember the initial confusion. Burn? What burn? And then I looked down at what the six year old was pointing at. The discolored mesh of raised, angry skin visible on my right hand. It was cracked, dry, and angry looking. I had dealt with it for so long that I barely remembered it was there.
And it certainly wasn’t a burn.
Thankfully, I was saved from any attempt I might have made to describe what Eczema was to a six year old girl by her embarrassed mother.
Tactless children aside, it’s not hard to imagine why she might have thought it was a burn. They can both be similarly red and discolored. They’re both itchy and uncomfortable as they heal, and the skin can feel leathery and make it hard to move without pain.
The difference is that burns tend to be caused by singular incidents (whether heat or fire induced, or even sun burns!) whilst eczema is something that more often occurs over time and due to more nuanced circumstances. For some it may be due to the weather. Others due to stress or contact with something they’re allergic to. I personally get Neurodermatitis, which is a type of eczema that starts as a small patch somewhere on my body that gets progressively worse the more I scratch at it.
And when the Eczema is located in a spot that’s super visible on me (like my hand, or my elbow) then not only is it itchy and uncomfortable, but it’s also embarrassing!
Eczema, also known as atopic dermatitis, is more than just dry or itchy skin — it’s a chronic inflammatory condition that can deeply affect every aspect of a person’s life. While the physical symptoms are visible, the emotional, mental, and social toll often goes unseen and unaddressed.
At Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic, we’ve worked with many patients struggling with eczema who have tried various treatments — often with limited success — until they came to us. In this post, we’ll explore how eczema affects daily life, how our bespoke treatments can offer real relief, and we’ll share one patient’s inspiring journey to healing.
What Is Eczema?
Eczema is a group of skin conditions that cause inflammation, redness, dryness, and itching. In severe cases, the skin may blister, crack, or become infected. It most commonly begins in childhood but can occur at any age. The exact cause is not known, but it is believed to involve a combination of genetic, immune, and environmental factors. Common triggers include (but are not limited to): Stress, Environmental allergens, use of harsh soaps or chemicals on sensitive skin, a combination of heat and sweat, or possibly even a certain food causing an internal reaction within the body.
The worst part about Eczema is that it is often cyclical — symptoms can flare up periodically and then subside at what seems to be random intervals — making it unpredictable and hard to manage for many.
How Eczema Impacts Daily Life
To those who’ve never experienced it, eczema may seem like a minor inconvenience. But for those living with it, the condition can disrupt nearly every aspect of life.
Eczema causes Sleep Disruption
If the affected areas seem itchy when awake, imagine how terrible the feeling is when one can’t even consciously stop themselves from scratching. The intense prickling and tingling sensation caused by eczema is often worse at night, leading to chronic sleep deprivation. The unconscious scratching done during sleep can also cause skin damage and increase the risk of infections. Then there’s the fact that one is prone to waking up the moment our nails go a smidge too far. This can happen over and over again in one night, leading to fatigue, irritability, and a negative impact on our day to day jobs or projects.
Worsening Emotional and Mental Health
Living with a visible skin condition often leads to anxiety, and possible low self-esteem. What I could wear on certain days was highly dependent on where my eczema decided to pop up. Many patients feel embarrassed or self-conscious, especially if eczema appears on the face, hands, or other exposed areas. One day it could be a blunt six year old asking about the “burn” on my hand, on other days I spot someone refusing to sit next to me on the bus because they thought I had something contagious instead of a bad flare up on my arm.
Workplace Challenges
There are plenty of jobs that require frequent hand washing. Some have the hazard of being regularly exposed to irritants. Others involve a certain level of physical activity that could be especially difficult for those who suffer from eczema. Even wearing gloves for long periods can exacerbate symptoms, while stress at work can trigger frequent flare-ups.
With a possibility of negatively impacting one’s work, eczema induced issues could even lead to a forced change in career in order to avoid all the previously mentioned issues.
Daily Routines Become Complex
What if we stay on top of it? Keep up with the medications, the repeated applications and re-applications of moisturizers, watching the minute changes in the weather and humidity outside, wearing gloves at night so that night time scratching is more difficult…
Sounds ridiculous, doesn’t it? Except eczema symptoms can get this ridiculous, and sometimes require an equally ridiculous amount of upkeep to even attempt to combat it. People with eczema often spend a significant amount of money and time daily dedicated to this task before anything else. They must be vigilant about clothing materials, detergents, and even weather conditions. There’s so much preparation just to live their lives, and that leads to more stress, and sometimes because of it – more flare ups.
Conventional Treatments: Limited Relief for Many
While there are many topical creams, corticosteroids, antihistamines, and biologic drugs available, not all patients respond well to them. Long-term use of steroids can thin the skin and cause other side effects. Moreover, these treatments often focus on symptom control rather than addressing the root cause.
This leads many patients to seek complementary and alternative therapies, especially those rooted in holistic healing — like our bespoke treatment plans created by Dr. Irene.
How We Can Help you in battle against Eczema
At Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic, we approach eczema by looking at the whole person — not just the skin symptoms. In Eastern Medicine, eczema is often associated with imbalances in the body. These imbalances disrupt the natural flow and circulation of the body, which could manifest as inflammation, itching, and dryness.
Our Holistic Treatment Approach at Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic
When you visit Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic in Paramus, NJ, we begin with a comprehensive assessment of your health history, diet, lifestyle, and emotional well-being. Our customized treatment plans may include (but are not limited to):
- Targeted acupuncture sessions
- ATP Resonance BioTherapy
- Herbal remedies and topical treatments
- Dietary guidance
- Lifestyle adjustments to avoid triggers
Every patient’s eczema has a unique cause and presentation, which is why we tailor every plan to meet individual needs. Some patients see improvements after just a few sessions, while others require more specialized care over the course of a few weeks or months.
A Patient’s Story: “I Finally Have My Life Back.”
Name: Amanda C.
Age: 32
Location: Ridgewood, NJ“I’ve dealt with eczema for over a decade, mostly on my hands and neck. It was painful, itchy, and deeply embarrassing. I tried everything — steroid creams, immunosuppressants, dietary changes — and while some worked temporarily, the flare-ups always returned, often worse than before.
I couldn’t sleep more than a couple of hours without waking up scratching. I avoided the beach, skipped dates, and wore long sleeves even in summer. My confidence plummeted. I was always anxious — about the itch, the appearance of my skin, and whether today would be another flare-up.
Out of desperation, I searched for alternative treatments and came across Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic. Dr. Irene Yeung was compassionate, thorough, and incredibly knowledgeable. She explained how acupuncture could help restore balance to my body rather than just treating symptoms.
After my third session, I noticed I was sleeping better. The itchy feeling wasn’t as intense. By week six, my skin began clearing, and I wasn’t constantly on edge anymore. I now go once a month for maintenance, and it’s been over six months since my last major flare-up.
For the first time in years, I feel hopeful — and more like myself. I can wear short sleeves, shake hands without hesitation, and actually enjoy life without the constant fear of my skin betraying me. Thank you, Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic — you gave me back my life.”
Why Patients Trust Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic
Our team is led by Dr. Irene Yeung, a licensed acupuncturist and Doctor of Acupuncture with a deep understanding of both Western and Eastern medicine. Located conveniently in Paramus, NJ, we serve patients across Bergen County and beyond. Our mission is to help each person restore their health naturally and holistically.
Here’s what sets us apart:
- Over a decade of clinical experience
- Individualized treatment plans tailored to your needs
- Comfortable, modern clinic space with a relaxing atmosphere
- Transparent communication and compassionate care
- Integration with other health professionals when needed
Take the First Step Toward Healing
Living with eczema doesn’t have to mean suffering in silence or relying solely on medications that offer temporary relief. At Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic, we help your body heal from within — addressing the root causes and restoring balance.
If you or someone you love is dealing with eczema and feels like nothing has worked, we invite you to try a different approach. Call us today at 201-565-1778 or visit our New Patient Offer page to schedule a consultation.
Final Thoughts
Eczema is a chronic condition, but that doesn’t mean you have to live with it forever. With the right care and a holistic approach, healing is possible — as Amanda’s story shows. Whether you’re struggling with daily flare-ups or looking for a more natural path forward, we’re here to support your journey to healthier skin and a happier life.
Contact Us:
Best Medical Acupuncture Clinic
140 NJ-17 N, Suite 206
Paramus, NJ 07652
201-565-1778
www.bestmedacu.com